49 killed as heavy rains wreak havoc

FORTY-NINE people have been killed in extreme weather incidents that have been recorded since the start of the rainy season, with the authorities forecasting more heavy rains across the country until tomorrow.

The expected downpours could trigger flash floods and landslides, endangering communities in low-lying areas. Inclement weather has already caused widespread destruction of private property and public infrastructure - including roads, bridges, shops and a church - valued at over US$330 000. Additionally, 992 houses and 139 schools have been damaged. Responding to an inquiry from The Sunday Mail, Department of Civil Protection chief director Mr Nathan Nkomo said: "Weather advisory forecasted heavy rains across all the country's 10 provinces starting from February 19 to 24, 2025. The downpours have the potential to cause flash flooding, riverine flooding, landslides, mudslides and lightning, posing danger to communities, especially those in low-lying areas."

The department, he said, had recorded multiple incidents of drowning resulting from flash flooding. In one incident, a 50-year-old Shurugwi man drowned in Mutevekwi River on February 16, with his body retrieved two days later by the police sub-aqua unit.

"A devastating flash flood struck Kwekwe on February 18, 2025, causing widespread destruction to households in Mbizo and surrounding areas," he added. "The floodwaters inundated homes, resulting in significant property damage. The aftermath also poses additional threats to wooden structures. An assessment is currently underway to determine the full extent of the damage, including the number of households and properties affected."

In Buhera district, two five-year-old children from Mudinzwa village drowned in a stream. Their bodies were later recovered by the police. "In Chipinge, on February 16, 2025, 15 people were stranded on Lisungwe island due to flooding while farming.

"A successful two-day rescue operation, coordinated by the district civil protection unit, with assistance from Mahenye Chilo Gorge Lodge and Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, resulted in the rescue of 13 individuals.

"However, two people reportedly remain on the island, refusing evacuation.

"Law enforcement has been engaged to intervene on the issue of the two who remained on the island."

On February 13, heavy rainfall left 13 households homeless in Mubaira Ward 1, Mhondoro. Three days later, on February 16, a shaft mine collapsed at Magodo Mine in the same district, trapping 10 miners underground. Five miners managed to escape, while rescue operations for the remaining five are ongoing.

Officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development are at the site.

In Beitbridge, a newly married couple tragically died on Valentine's Day when their house in Tshaswingo village collapsed due to heavy rains. "This incident was attributed by heavy rains that weakened the structure of their house," said Mr Nkomo.

"The local authorities have since urged residents in flood-prone areas to seek safer shelter at evacuation centres as heavy rains continue to pose risk in the region."

He added: "On February 17, 2025, tragedy struck at Donkwedonkwe Primary School in Matobo when a female ECD (early childhood development) learner, Promise Ncube, was swept away by a flooded stream and sadly lost her life."